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[Svet]

Hi guys,

We the forum team have developed  a new way of flashing.
You no longer need a floppy or anything, just an USB-stick.

The tool has been tested together with MSI and as far as we have done our testing, there are no problems at all.
As long as the USB-stick is FAT or FAT32 formatted!

However, flashing is always risky, so if it goes bad it's your own fault, but that goes for all flashing you do.

This tool is intended to flash MSI retail motherboards and laptops,
but if needs you can use any other machine to prepare the necessary stuffs and the USB stick there,
before move the USB stick to the msi product that you want to flash.


The way it works is simple: Download the package and download the BIOS from the MSI website that you want to flash.

The rest is straight forward.

Make sure that your board is set to be able to boot from USB.
So turn on USB Legacy Support in the BIOS.
Boot and press F11 to get the boot-popup and select your USB-device to boot.
(some boards have a different key, like K8N Master uses ESC for the boot-menu)

What ever you do, make sure you read all warnings!

The forum nor MSI is responsible if it fails for you.
Nor is this software supported by MSI technical support!


Please report problems/bugs if you find them.


currently supported OS ( 64 bit):
Windows Vista, Windows 7 (also Windows in Virtualbox under Linux!), Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10
(all kind of versions)



NOTE: If you are having problems getting your USB device to boot correctly, you may need to format it correctly as the geometry data may be incorrect. You can do that by pickup option "Fix My USB key" from the Tool or by using >>> THIS <<< tool here! For future usage you can skip this step, it need to be done only once if your stick need adjustment.


This topic is for discussion of and help with the USB flash tool only. If you have a problem with your PC and need help then do not hijack this topic, please start your own new topic in the correct area of this forum!

NEW! >>> Read the comprehensive user guide here! <<<




The download links are listed below:



attached files are visible for logged-in users.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ui9eqduqwj784t8/tool94.rar?dl=0
pass: 1562

[longo213]

Just want to inform you, that alwil's Avast! 4.7 Antivirus with latest scanning routines falsely identifies Win32:Trojan-gen. {Other} in the USBMSIHQ.exe file. I suppose the possible cause is, that the file is UPX packed, right?
Allready informed alwill about the issue.

[Svet]

Hello longo213,

thanks for feeback.

The Tool has been tested with followed software and test passed without glitch:

F-Secure AntiVirus, Symantec AntiVirus, Panda Antivirus, Trend Micro AntiVirus, NOD32 AntiVirus, AVG AntiVirus, Mcafee Antivirus, Kaspersky Anti-Virus.


also with xx numbers of trojan, malware, rootkits scanners, and no problem detected.


Avast report virus from Panda Antivirus during online scan, seems is too sensitive and false positive.

[Mike]

longo213, there should be a way to submit the file to your AV for investigation. In doing this, Avast will be able to adjust it's definitions so, after it's updates, the engine won't give false positives. 

[longo213]

longo213, there should be a way to submit the file to your AV for investigation. In doing this, Avast will be able to adjust it's definitions so, after it's updates, the engine won't give false positives.

As I said before, I allready did that (alwill is the Czech company behind Avast).

[BlazerCA]

This tool doesn't work with 64 bit operating systems. Is there a workaround for that? Or will you be adding that option to future releases?

[Svet]

This tool doesn't work with 64 bit operating systems. Is there a workaround for that? Or will you be adding that option to future releases?

confirmed that x64 OS is not supported for now.

"Or will you be adding that option to future releases?"
yes, that can be done in future release.

Currently Supported 32bit OS:

Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 2003, Windows XP, Windows Vista.
(all kind of versions)

[Hotdog]

Dumb question, but is there a way to get this tool to run on systems without MSI motherboards? I just want to make the USB drive bootable with a BIOS for my 975X PUE... but I'm currently running Vista 64, and thus I'm assuming it won't work (at work right now, and it says my laptop doesn't have an MSI board- obviously it doesn't, but I don't have any other MSI boards at home to run it on) without an MSI board.

Or, just add 64 bit support... either way :D

[Hotdog]

Actually, damn, looking at my signature from my old machine, I guess I *DO* have another MSI board in the house.... so I'll have to give it a try when I get home, and see if I can use the tool on the AMD machine, to create the bootable USB drive for my 975X machine... clever clever.

[Svet]

yep, should be fine.

[Dan Beiser]

Hi,
WMIinfo reports for the MotherBoard:
Name : Base Board
Manufacturer : MSI
Product Name : MS-7350
Version : 100
SerialNumber : To be filled by O.E.M.

Is my board considered as O.E.M?

[Svet]

Hello,
nop its regular MSI board, the tool should work fine.

[bosamar]

What's the difference between the two versions, i.e. how are they used?

- installer
- standalone

[Svet]

What's the difference between the two versions, i.e. how are they used?

- installer
- standalone

they are the same version, but "installer" one makes a short installation to be more confortable for future usage.
here is description of the latest changes for the last 2 versions:

Version History:

1.13
   - fixed bug where target device unable to boot property in specified conditions.
   - minor changes.

1.13a
   - added support/compatibility for any 64bit Microsoft OS
 
always be sure that you are using the most recent version.

[The_YongGrand]

Hi,

Can I use this on an another computer (non-MSI board) , and then I used that prepared flash stick onto my new MSI board? I gotta update that because of processor support, so I couldn't do liveupdate and must use flash stick instead (I have no floppies!) :D

[Svet]

Hi,

Can I use this on an another computer (non-MSI board) , and then I used that prepared flash stick onto my new MSI board? I gotta update that because of processor support, so I couldn't do liveupdate and must use flash stick instead (I have no floppies!) :D

nop, the tool works on MSI boards only, will shutoff itself on non MSI boards.

[Svet]

Hello,
new version is ready 1.13b
Version History:

1.13b
   -fixed false possitive issue reported by "Avast!" which claimed that our Tool is a Win32:Trojan-gen. {Other}

[Mike]

It should've been Avast who fixed their issue--not you, but you are a great guy BK.

[The_YongGrand]

nop, the tool works on MSI boards only, will shutoff itself on non MSI boards.

I see, but strange as it seems, that tool works on my Biostar board. Because my new comp w/ MSI board is not installed with anything yet, so I prepare the flash from my non-MSI board and used the stick on my new comp. 

[Grayone]

Was the actual bios update performed to the Biostar board or the MSI board? 
An MSI motherboard based system is not needed to load the software on a USB stick in order to update the bios on a MSI motherboard.

[Svet]

It should've been Avast who fixed their issue--not you, but you are a great guy BK.

It should've been Avast who fixed their issue--not you
yep, but they have enough time for that... they release 3 new definition and fix nothink.... so better to be solved by our way.

I see, but strange as it seems, that tool works on my Biostar board. Because my new comp w/ MSI board is not installed with anything yet, so I prepare the flash from my non-MSI board and used the stick on my new comp. 

if you running it under x64 OS is possible. /* checking for MSI board is not performed under x64bit OS */
which become very usefull in your case :D

Was the actual bios update performed to the Biostar board or the MSI board? 
An MSI motherboard based system is not needed to load the software on a USB stick in order to update the bios on a MSI motherboard.

he probably mean that dont have OS installed yet, and can't prepare the USB stick. so he need to do that at other PC (to prapare the usb key, before boot from it at MSI board.)

[max-sever]

Hi!
I'm have problem with antivirus program too.
Dr.Web
C:\Temp\x863\bossmsi.exe - инфицирован Trojan.Blakhal
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
bossmsi.exe - инфицирован Backdoor.Win32.Iroffer.af
This file is a antivirus testing program?

[Mike]

It's giving you a false positive.  The program has no virus or trojan. Submit the program to your AV so they can correct the findings.

[Mike]

Okay, there has been an issue discovered with 1.13b. It appears that in creating a fix for the Avast false positive, 1.13b is creating false
positives for other AVs. Until we can resolve this and/or certain AV programs fix their detection issue, all users using Avast should download and use 1.13b.

Everyone else use 1.13a which is attached to this post. <---file removed as no longer needed.

edit: It appears that the issue has been resolved in 1.13d.

[Svet]

Hi!
I'm have problem with antivirus program too.
Dr.Web
C:\Temp\x863\bossmsi.exe - &#1080;&#1085;&#1092;&#1080;&#1094;&#1080;&#1088;&#1086;&#1074;&#1072;&#1085; Trojan.Blakhal
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
bossmsi.exe - &#1080;&#1085;&#1092;&#1080;&#1094;&#1080;&#1088;&#1086;&#1074;&#1072;&#1085; Backdoor.Win32.Iroffer.af
This file is a antivirus testing program?

Hi Max,

"This file is a antivirus testing program? "

yes, the latest version accidentally really become a test for any AV....

in latest 1.13b Avast! no more report false positive,
but all others AV software starting reporting a different false positive results:(all AV listed didn't report false positive problem in a provisional version) Avast! was fixed and no more report the false passivity and passed, but all other AV software started to be a lot confused...


Kaspersky Anti-Virus - Proactive Defense Warning: Riskware detected.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2nd ID - Backdoor.Win32.Iroffer.af
Dr Solomon's:  probably found Zafi.D.Virus
Symantec: Bloodhound.Overpacked / * Overpacked when a potentially unknown virus is found using Symantec Bloodhound technology */
Panda: Win32:Trojan-gen.(Mytob.U.Mod)
Mcafe: Worm.W32/Bakain
Dr.Web: Trojan.Blakhal
Bit.Defender: Trojan.JS.Obsq.Gen

Just to clarify one more time, all things listed are false alert coused and exist in latest version only due Avast! fix.(1.13b)

didn't continue to test with rest of AV...
only Avast! and NOD32 report no problem detected.
in 1.13a all false positive listed above doesn't exist, but only Avast! report false positive.
Hoverer, the wave of false positive mess has been resolved along with Avast! false positive as well.

New version is ready, 1.13c:

- fixed false positive wave which confusing most of AV software. (all AV do not report any problems anymore)
- fixed 3 minor bugs:
       * after finished work the tool do not quit normal as expected and hang instead, that happend in x32bit OS only when used has been asked for reboot and answered with "No". e.g. in described specified case.
       * 4th mainboard filter report positive results in some Biostart mainboard and this cause tool to false ID some Biostar board as MSI one.
       * added missing drive letter as USB key choice ("I")

Download location in a the 1st post of this topic.

[Svet]

New version is ready, aka 1.13d

Version History:
 -fixed issue with Symantec AV false ID as "unknown virus".
 -cosmetic changes: one message appear early when asking for USB key drive letter to input and in same time user has been asked to locate BIOS file, and may confuse user. corrected.

Download location from the 1st post of this topic.

[Svet]

here is the latest AV Scan Report using heuristic detection and latest Virus definitions, for 1.13d (latest version):

MD5    483b02e925d4c7c7eb7486e3edd1823f

A-Squared                   - No viruses found, Found nothing
AntiVir                         - No viruses found, Found nothing
ArcaVir                        - No viruses found, Found nothing
Avast                      - No viruses found, Found nothing
AVG Antivirus             - No viruses found, Found nothing
BitDefender              - No viruses found, Found nothing
ClamAV                      - No viruses found, Found nothing
Dr.Web                       - No viruses found, Found nothing
F-Prot Antivirus      - No viruses found, Found nothing
F-Secure Anti-Virus     - No viruses found, Found nothing   
Fortinet                - No viruses found, Found nothing
Kaspersky Anti-Virus    -No viruses found, Found nothing
McAfee                     -No viruses found, Found nothing
NOD32                      - No viruses found, Found nothing
Norman Virus Control  - No viruses found, Found nothing
Panda Antivirus       - No viruses found, Found nothing
Rising Antivirus      - No viruses found, Found nothing
Symantec Antivirus     - No viruses found, Found nothing
Trend Micro AntiVirus  - No viruses found, Found nothing
VirusBuster              - No viruses found, Found nothing
VBA32                      - No viruses found, Found nothing

Status:  OK

[adrianX26]

hello to all

just test the file with that link

www.virustotal.com

and read the raports

best regards from romania :D

[Svet]

hello to all

just test the file with that link

www.virustotal.com

and read the raports

best regards from romania :D

report looks fine, except that funky AV called "Ikarus" which report nosence things.
you should use a decent AV from the list above.
also we downloaded manually "Ikarus" AV localy and perform scan and its found nothink...
hovewer that is "Ikarus" problem not ours.
hovewer will be good if that can be corrected, and its already done. now along with decent AV the funky 3th party AV will be happy too:


the affect will reflect in next version. there is no reason to actualize current  version becouse there is no changes over it.

[myran]

Hey there,

I can't seem to get this flashing tool thingy to work. After running it and selecting a BIOS-archive, it just closes down without doing a single thing.

Any help appreciated,

Myran

[Svet]

Hey there,

I can't seem to get this flashing tool thingy to work. After running it and selecting a BIOS-archive, it just closes down without doing a single thing.

Any help appreciated,

Myran

Hi there,
could you provide more details.
OS running?
the tool can react in that way, when the selected file is invalid.(or do not exist)

[myran]

Hi there,
could you provide more details.
OS running?
the tool can react in that way, when the selected file is invalid.(or do not exist)

Thanks for the reply.

I'm running Windows XP Pro Corp SP2. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the zip-files I've downloaded, as they extract without problems. I've tried 1.2, 1.1, as well as the custom 1.32 without any success. I've also tried closing all unnecessary programs/processes. Oh yeah, I've got another question regarding the BIOS: does the BIOS Virus Protection affect flashing with Live Update?

[Svet]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm running Windows XP Pro Corp SP2. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the zip-files I've downloaded, as they extract without problems. I've tried 1.2, 1.1, as well as the custom 1.32 without any success. I've also tried closing all unnecessary programs/processes. Oh yeah, I've got another question regarding the BIOS: does the BIOS Virus Protection affect flashing with Live Update?

just checked each one of them and they work as expected.

have you logged with administrative rights?

"Oh yeah, I've got another question regarding the BIOS: does the BIOS Virus Protection affect flashing with Live Update?"

from your mainboard manual:

Boot Sector Protection
This function protects the BIOS from accidental corruption by unauthorized users or
computer viruses. When enabled, the BIOS’ data cannot be changed when attempt-
ing to update the BIOS with a Flash utility. To successfully update the BIOS, you’ll
need to disable this Flash BIOS Protection function.
You should enable this function at all times. The only time when you need to disable
it is when you want to update the BIOS. After updating the BIOS, you should immedi-
ately re-enable it to protect it against viruses.

if you are planning to update your BIOS you should Disable it temporary.

[dubious_1]

Regarding the tool simply terminating after entering the archive name.
I had this happen when I typed in the name, but I then used the copy address as text option and pasted in what vista thought was the path/name and there was an extra .zip at the end.
When I renamed the original (Platinum P6N ...) to remove the spaces and identify the version, I provided my own .zip extension, and vista decided to add its own.
I suspect that this is what happenned to myran

[Svet]

Regarding the tool simply terminating after entering the archive name.
I had this happen when I typed in the name, but I then used the copy address as text option and pasted in what vista thought was the path/name and there was an extra .zip at the end.
When I renamed the original (Platinum P6N ...) to remove the spaces and identify the version, I provided my own .zip extension, and vista decided to add its own.
I suspect that this is what happenned to myran

"Regarding the tool simply terminating after entering the archive name."
yep if the path or the file name entered is invalid, its terminating itself, but think myran problem is a different because method used in XP is a different. there is direct file selection instead typing of path & filename. problem should be somewhere else located, like missing admin rights or somethink specific in that corporate OS version. (or maybe its the same like you described, i forgot to ask him if he is using 32bit or 64bit OS, if its x64bit the same method is used like in Vista.)

"When I renamed the original (Platinum P6N ...) to remove the spaces and identify the version, I provided my own .zip extension, and vista decided to add its own."
there is a easy way, no need to rename anythink. just copy and paste the address from explorer address bar with file name to the tool when need to enter it. tool works with long file & directory names without problem. avoid typing the name manually if there used long path name or long file name.(copy/paste instead to avoid syntax errors when typing and to save time)

[myran]

just checked each one of them and they work as expected.

have you logged with administrative rights?

"Oh yeah, I've got another question regarding the BIOS: does the BIOS Virus Protection affect flashing with Live Update?"

from your mainboard manual:

Boot Sector Protection
This function protects the BIOS from accidental corruption by unauthorized users or
computer viruses. When enabled, the BIOS’ data cannot be changed when attempt-
ing to update the BIOS with a Flash utility. To successfully update the BIOS, you’ll
need to disable this Flash BIOS Protection function.
You should enable this function at all times. The only time when you need to disable
it is when you want to update the BIOS. After updating the BIOS, you should immedi-
ately re-enable it to protect it against viruses.

if you are planning to update your BIOS you should Disable it temporary.

Yes, I've got admin rights, and I am running the 32-bit version of XP. I guess it's the installation that's messed up. I'm gonna try making a bootable USB-stick myself. Thanks for your time!

[Svet]

Yes, I've got admin rights, and I am running the 32-bit version of XP. I guess it's the installation that's messed up. I'm gonna try making a bootable USB-stick myself. Thanks for your time!

keep us updated, let we known if you need help.

[thisn00bagain]

im a n00b here to flashing bios
<-- n00b

i have downloaded both the files, the installer, and the bios.

i understand i have to set it in bios to boot from usb.


i ahve no idea what to do after that? do i copy files over to usb or something?

as i am new to flashing usb, can you please give step by step instructions?

[whymas]

Hi,

  I have a couple of questions about flashing using the MSI  HQ USB flashing tool especially since this will be my first time.  I'm upgrading from a single core athlon 64 to a dual core and from what I have read on the forum I will need to update my BIOS (currently version 1).  I have set up a bootable USB stick and have copied BIOS version 1D onto it.  Can someone provide me with a good step by step idea of what to expect when I boot from the USB stick?  What kind of information will I need to type in to the flash tool at each step for a successful flash?  I understand that there will be instructions/warnings, but any additional information would be appreciated before I start since I don't want to screw it up. 

Thanks.

[msilover88]

Same here, After I identified the USB drive, it saids, "Auto detecting USB Drive file system..." and it stopped there, nothing has been copy to the drive, anyone have the same problem? what did you miss? any help would be appreciated.

[Svet]

im a n00b here to flashing bios
<-- n00b

i have downloaded both the files, the installer, and the bios.

i understand i have to set it in bios to boot from usb.


i ahve no idea what to do after that? do i copy files over to usb or something?

as i am new to flashing usb, can you please give step by step instructions?

hi there,
no you no need to copy anythink. just execute the tool and point to BIOS .zip archive(downloaded from MSI site) when asked, then choice you USB key letter and wait tool to finish. when its done reboot PC and hit "F11" and bios post screen, then choice your USB key and boot from it.(can be USB-ZIP, USB-HDD, or in Hard Disk area, depend how the stick is formatted and how mainboard will detect it) if the USB key is not listed in boot sequence, go to BIOS and locate option named "USB KB/Storage(Legacy) Support" and Enable it, then retry.

NOTE: At current state The Tool need a BIOS .zip archive downloaded from MSI site, The Tool doesn't work with BIOS file only.. The Tool expect BIOS archive file(.zip) and not BIOS file itself. So if you planning to update to Beta BIOS will not gonna work.. (need to be prepared 1st in expected format.)


The full detailed instruction are planned as well to be done with explanations at each parts with pictures and movies, but that will be done when the newest version is ready which currently is under construction.

That part will be improved, in the newest version will be possible to point to the BIOS file directly as well.

Same here, After I identified the USB drive, it saids, "Auto detecting USB Drive file system..." and it stopped there, nothing has been copy to the drive, anyone have the same problem? what did you miss? any help would be appreciated.

depend of files on it and size capacity it may take some time, on large storages can up to minute. re-run it, if no change format the USB stick in FAT or FAT32 and re run to tool again,  should be fine.
that part will be improved in newest version, will boost detection speed up to 500% (that is already done)

[Svet]

here are that steps:

1. Download correct BIOS archive file (.zip) from MSI site for your mainboard.
2. Download the Tool (standalone or installer).
3. Execute the Tool (Under Windows) and point to the BIOS archive file downloaded from MSI site, then choice your USB key drive letter and wait Tool to finish.
4. When its done reboot PC and hit "F11" and bios post screen, then choice your USB key and boot from it.(can be USB-ZIP, USB-HDD, or in Hard Disk area, depend how the stick is formatted and how mainboard will detect it) if the USB key is not listed in boot sequence, go to BIOS and locate option named "USB KB/Storage(Legacy) Support" and Enable it, then retry.

you no need to copy anythink manually to the USB key.

"What kind of information will I need to type in to the flash tool at each step for a successful flash?"
you no need to type anythink.

"Can someone provide me with a good step by step idea of what to expect when I boot from the USB stick?"

Few screen with usefull information and instructions. You need to hit any key to proceed to the next screen. Automatically backup of current BIOS onboard installed will be created, after that BIOS will be updated. You no need to type anythink.


"what to expect when I boot from the USB stick?"
Not dancing girls for sure :D Here is example, will look similar.(without colors and blinking text)

[whymas]

Thanks for the info BOSSKILLER.  The flash was successful!

[thisn00bagain]

thanks alot. i got it working.! this is great!

[Svet]

Thanks for the info BOSSKILLER.  The flash was successful!

you are done well.

[mssurrey]

I need to update my BIOS according to MSI  - in order to support RAID which I can't get to work (see my other posts).  I've done a very basic install of XP so far in a non-raid setup.  Nothing else loaded at all - ie no internet access, no programs etc. 

I note in the BIOS of my board (MSI P6N sli Platinum) that I can boot from the installed devices (hd, dvd  floppy ) and then it asks if I want to allow to 'boot from other devices'.  I assume this means USB (as there's no specific input for booting from a USB drive?

Assuming this is the case, do I have to format my USB pen drive?  Then do I load all files etc from this utility onto the pen drive?

Please help guys as I'm totally at a loss here -I've no idea how to flash the BIOS - 

[mssurrey]

By the way, MSI has sent me BIOS v1.32 via e-mail for my P6N sli platinum board.  But only v1.2 shows on their website ?????  I hope 1.32 is not a Beta version.

[Grayone]

Here are the instructions for using the USB tool.

https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=109082.0

[mssurrey]

The way it works is simple: Download the package and download the BIOS from the MSI website that you want to flash.

The rest is straight forward.

What package are you referring to?  I have the BIOS file

[mssurrey]

sorry pressed enter by mistake.  I was saying that I have the BIOS files for v1.32 sent to me by MSI but I don't know what package means.  Also,  will this flash utility work with my board (p6N sli platinum)???